NFL History: Is Tom Brady the Greatest Quarterback of All Time?

It’s the golden age of the quarterback. Elite passers across the league have continued to put up big numbers this season. Even rookies are starting to shine early in their respective careers.

However, while the highlights of the important position has been centered around a new influx of young talent across the league, the players we all know as the best have not disappointed.

Some of them, it is true, match up to the greatest quarterbacks to ever lead an NFL team.

Which begs the question: Who is the best NFL quarterback in history?

Like many sports inquiries, the question is largely subjective. Depending on which era a fan grew up in, and depending on what stats of a quarterback are most important to someone, the answer will most certainly change.

It’s also a question that brings a lot into play. It is very hard to compare the elite passers of history and the modern era because the personnel around them has a large effect. Who had the best receivers? Or who had the best running back to complement the offense? To make it fair, who has the best offensive weapons.

Joe Montana comes to mind. John Elway, perhaps? Could Dan Marino be considered?

Peyton Manning

Joe Montana

John Elway

Dan Marino

Other

You could make an argument for all of the above prospects, or even others not mentioned. However, you cannot discount the things that Tom Brady has done in his tenure as the New England Patriots’ quarterback.

With his win today against the Houston Texans, he broke the record for all-time playoff wins, previously held by Joe Montana. He now holds a ridiculous 17-6 record in his 23 postseason starts. His first appearance dates back all the way to 2001, the first time he was the main starter for the Patriots.

His numbers have been equally mesmerizing during his 13-year career. Holding a lifetime 96.6 quarterback rating, he has also passed for 44,806 yards and 334 touchdowns. His touchdown number puts him at No. 5 on the all-time list, and he doesn’t show any sign of letting up, despite his age of 35.

Brady has simply widened eyes since he entered the NFL. And he continues to do so as he chases yet another Super Bowl win.

He has the touchdowns. He has the wins. He has success in every category. No defense can seem to slow him down, let alone contain him. The man is a winner.

By no means is he my favorite quarterback. That doesn’t matter.

What does matter, is that he will always be remembered as one of the greatest to play the game.

One of the greatest for certain. Is he the best?

Like I said, the answer is subjective. But he definitely makes a case for it.